School collects 1,200 books to spark love of reading in all kids

A local French immersion Catholic school recently collected more than 1,200 books in an effort to inspire a love of reading in the youngest of children.

St. Francis French Immersion Catholic School ran a book drive blitz that collected new and gently loved books for the Piper Project. 

The Piper Project helps to spark a love of reading in newborns by ensuring every child born in Sault Ste. Marie, regardless of socioeconomic factors, can go home with a new book.  

The book drive at St. Francis, which collected 1,255 books, was part of an experiential learning activity, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board said in a news release.

The book collection effort began with a presentation made to students by Piper Project founder Erica Hogan.  

When Hogan came to pick up the books she shared with the students, “I am going to try not to get too emotional, but you have no idea the difference one book can make. You have exceeded our goal four times over.”

Throughout the collection, kindergarten students went to other classes with Mlle Barone.

The students and families throughout the school community donated to the project. 

“I am humbled by the support of our school community," said Lynaya McLean, kindergarten teacher.

"I am very proud of our Falcon Family for coming together in collecting various new and gently loved books," added Theresa Barone, RECE.

Information on the Piper Project can be found on Facebook at ThePiperProjectSSM.